Devices and methods for magnetic-glide games

ABSTRACT

Some embodiments may relate to a magnetic glide game. Such a game may include one or more magnetically polarized game pieces. A game board may include a substantially planar playing surface adapted to receive the game piece in a slideable relation. Embodiments may also include at least one deflection means disposed in, or positionable within, a glide path of the game piece.

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/502,003 filed on Jun. 28, 2011 and now pending, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

I. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of Invention

Some embodiments may generally relate to games played with magnetic game pieces or magnetic implements.

B. Description of the Related Art

In the gaming arts it is known to adapt traditional field games such as baseball, football, soccer, and the like to smaller scale board games or games which can be played by only two players. It is also known to use magnetic pieces in such games. However, the gaming arts lack certain features which would provide innovative means for entertainment. For instance, the prior art does not teach or suggest a using magnetically polarized paddle devices to manipulate or propel a magnetically polarized game piece wherein the magnetic fields of the paddle and game piece are mutually repulsive. Furthermore, it is unknown in the art to provide paddles having apertures which may allow a game piece to pass through if contacted at a particular angle or within a narrowly defined range of angles.

Some embodiments of the present invention may provide one or more benefits or advantages over the prior art.

II. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Some embodiments may relate to a magnetic glide game, comprising: a magnetically polarized game piece having at least one substantially flat surface; a game board having a substantially planar playing surface adapted to receive the at least one flat side of the game piece in a slideable relation; and at least one deflection means disposed in, or positionable within, a glide path of the game piece.

According to some embodiments, the game piece includes one or more of a cylindrical permanent magnet or an electromagnet.

According to some embodiments, the game piece includes one or more cylindrical permanent magnets embedded in one or more of a centrally located region within the game piece, or about at least a portion of a peripheral region of the game piece.

According to some embodiments, at least one deflection means is magnetically polarized and is embedded in one or more of the playing surface of the game board, or a boundary wall of the game board.

According to some embodiments, at least one deflection means is magnetically polarized and is disposed under the playing surface of the game board, or immovably affixed to the playing surface of the game board.

According to some embodiments, the at least one deflection means comprises a magnetically polarized paddle.

According to some embodiments, the paddle comprises a striking portion substantially defining a right circular cylinder, and a handle portion adapted to be grasped by a human hand.

According to some embodiments, the paddle is selected from one or more of a stylized miniature hockey stick, or a stylized miniature baseball bat.

According to some embodiments, the at least one deflection means comprises a paddle selected from one or more of a stylized miniature hockey stick, or a stylized miniature baseball bat.

According to some embodiments, the stylized miniature baseball bat comprises a lengthwise bisection of a baseball bat form having a substantially planar surface adapted to slide over the game board.

According to some embodiments, the stylized miniature baseball bat is affixed to the game board through a pin about which the bat may pivot, and wherein the pin is disposed in the vicinity of a transition portion of the bat.

According to some embodiments, the stylized miniature baseball bat further comprises an aperture adapted to receive a game piece and allow it to pass through when received at a particular angle or within a narrow range of angles.

According to some embodiments, the aperture is disposed in a central barrel region of the stylized miniature baseball bat.

Some embodiments may relate to a magnetic glide game, comprising: a magnetically polarized game piece having at least one substantially flat surface, wherein the game piece includes one or more of a cylindrical permanent magnet or an electromagnet; a game board having a substantially planar playing surface adapted to receive the at least one flat side of the game piece in a slideable relation; and at least one deflection means disposed in, or positionable within, a glide path of the game piece.

According to some embodiments, at least one deflection means is magnetically polarized and is embedded in one or more of the playing surface of the game board, or a boundary wall of the game board.

According to some embodiments, at least one deflection means is magnetically polarized and is disposed under the playing surface of the game board, or immovably affixed to the playing surface of the game board.

According to some embodiments, the at least one deflection means comprises a magnetically polarized paddle.

According to some embodiments, the at least one deflection means comprises a paddle selected from one or more of a stylized miniature hockey stick, or a stylized miniature baseball bat.

According to some embodiments, the stylized miniature baseball bat is affixed to the game board through a pin about which the bat may pivot, and wherein the pin is disposed in the vicinity of a transition portion of the bat, wherein the stylized miniature baseball bat further comprises an aperture adapted to receive a game piece and allow it to pass through when received at a particular angle or within a narrow range of angles, and wherein the aperture is disposed in a central barrel region of the stylized miniature baseball bat.

Some embodiments may relate to a magnetic glide game, comprising: a magnetically polarized game piece having at least one substantially flat surface, wherein the game piece includes one or more of a cylindrical permanent magnet or an electromagnet; a game board having a substantially planar playing surface adapted to receive the at least one flat side of the game piece in a slideable relation; and at least one deflection means positionable within, a glide path of the game piece, wherein the at least one deflection means comprises a paddle defining a stylized miniature baseball bat affixed to the game board through a pin about which the bat may pivot, the pin being disposed in the vicinity of a transition portion of the bat, the stylized miniature baseball bat further comprises an aperture adapted to receive a game piece and allow it to pass through when received at a particular angle or within a narrow range of angles, and wherein the aperture is disposed in a central barrel region of the stylized miniature baseball bat.

Other benefits and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.

III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view drawing of a generalized bat indicating various regions and parts thereof;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view drawing of a stylized bat paddle according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view drawing of a disc paddle having a centrally located embedded magnet;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view drawing of a disc paddle having a plurality of peripherally located embedded magnets;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view drawing of a game piece according to one embodiment which has a single centrally located embedded magnet;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view drawing of a game piece according to one embodiment which includes a plurality of peripherally located embedded magnets;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view drawing of an embodiment showing a pair of disc paddles in relation to a game piece on an arbitrary surface;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view drawing of an embodiment showing a stylized bat paddle having receiving a game piece;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view drawing of an embodiment showing a stylized bat paddle beside a pin upon which it may be mounted; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view drawing of an embodiment showing a bat paddle striking a game piece.

IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Some embodiments of the invention may relate to a board game having one or more magnetically polarized game pieces, and one or more means for causing motion of the game piece(s). Embodiments may take on the overall form of a stylized baseball or hockey game; however, embodiments are not limited to such games. Rather, embodiments may include any of a wide variety of games in which a player propels a magnetically polarized game piece using a striking device such as a paddle, where the striking device may or may not be polarized with an opposing magnetic field.

A game board according to some embodiments of the invention may include at least one generally flat playing surface. The playing surface may in some embodiments be sufficiently flat and/or smooth to allow a game piece to glide over its surface. Furthermore, the board and/or game piece may comprise a low-friction surface to allow a game piece to glide with minimal resistance. Such surfaces may, for instance and without limitation, be polished or may include a low-friction chemical coating. A two-dimensional shape of a game board can vary depending on the specific game to which it is adapted. For instance, a hockey or soccer game may comprise a generally rectangular board, whereas a baseball game may comprise a generally diamond shaped board. In some embodiments, a playing surface may be bounded by one or more raised edges or walls so as to retain a game piece within the playing surface area. One skilled in the art will appreciate that a raised edge or wall that is approximately the same height as the game piece or large may have a superior capacity for retaining game pieces. The size of a game board may vary widely and may include a device which can fit on a table top as well as a device which can be reversibly deployed or permanently installed in an outdoor yard or field.

According to some embodiments, one or more permanent magnets may be disposed on, under, or within a game board and/or or boundary wall(s) in one or more predetermined locations and may comprise a magnetically polarized deflection means. The magnetic field of such magnets may be oriented to repel or to attract the game piece depending upon a predetermined desired effect. For instance, a magnetic catcher's mitt may comprise a cylindrical magnet with its north and/or south poles substantially coinciding with the opposite pole(s) of the game piece thereby attracting it and holding the game piece in place. Alternatively, one or more magnets may be disposed about a game board such that their field(s) interact with that of a game piece in a repulsive fashion thereby causing the path of the game piece to be deflected as it approaches.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that while permanent magnets are used for the sake of discussion and illustration herein, electromagnets are also within the scope of some embodiments. Thus, some embodiments may include magnets which can be switched on or off, for instance, by a player, or which remain on continuously throughout play. Still further, embodiments may include magnets in which the magnetic field polarity can be reversed by reversing electric current flow. Accordingly, in such embodiment a region of a game board may be made attractive, repulsive, or neutral to a game piece by manipulating current flow through the electromagnet.

A game piece according to some embodiments can define a generally flat surface adapted to mate with a game board in a glidable relation; however, in other embodiments a game piece may comprise a generally spherical or ellipsoidal structure which may roll in response to an applied force rather than glide. Embodiments may include one or more magnets embedded within the game piece so that the game piece can respond to surrounding magnetic fields which it may encounter on a game board. For example, and without limitation, a game piece may include one or more magnets disposed in a central location within the game piece. However, in some embodiments a game piece may include one or more magnets disposed about a periphery of the game piece. In still other embodiments a game piece may comprise a magnet which also comprises a substantial outer surface of the game piece rather than being embedded therein.

According to some embodiments, one or more magnets comprising a game piece may comprise a cylindrical magnet; however, one skilled in the art will understand that other magnet geometries can be appropriate or advantageous. Still further, one skilled in the art will appreciate that a game piece may include permanent magnets and/or electromagnets wherein a power source such a battery is included on-board the game piece to supply power to the electromagnet(s). Embodiments which include electromagnets may additionally include one or more logic circuits and/or controllers for actuating the electromagnet(s) and/or manipulating electric current flow through the electromagnet. Such logic circuits or controllers may be located on-board a game piece. Alternatively, control components within a game piece may be in wireless communication with an external logic circuit or other source of control signals. In some embodiments, an on-board logic circuit may be controlled through pre-programmed logic or through wirelessly transmitted control signals.

A means for causing motion of a game piece can include a striking device such as a paddle; however, means for causing such motion can also comprise components such as magnetically polarized components disposed, within, or under a game board or boundary wall thereof. With regard to paddles, embodiments can include paddles which take the form of a stylized baseball bat, hockey stick, or other suitable form depending upon the game to which it relates. In some embodiments, a paddle may comprise a generally cylindrical shape having a first face which is adapted to mate with a game board in a glidable relation, and a second opposing face which includes a handle thereon adapted to be grasped by a human hand. The thickness separating the first and second faces may define a body and may be sufficient to contain one or more magnets therein, and/or to strike side-on at a game piece and cause the game piece to move in a predictable direction on a game board.

With further regard to paddle-type striking devices, a body of a paddle may include one or more magnets embedded therein. For instance, and without limitation, a paddle may include a single centrally located magnet, or it may include a plurality of magnets disposed about a periphery of the paddle. Embodiments may include cylindrical magnets which may be permanent or electromagnets. One skilled in the art will recognize that other magnet geometries may be appropriate or advantageous depending on the specific application; however, in general, the magnetic field of the paddle should be oriented such that it repels that of the game piece. Thus, in operation, a paddle of this type can propel a game piece in a desired direction without actually making surface-to-surface contact with the game piece. Rather, the repulsive force between the objects' respective magnetic fields may be sufficient to propel the game piece in a desired direction.

With regard to paddles shaped like a stylized baseball bat, such a paddle may comprise a baseball bat form bisected lengthwise. Thus, the stylized bat takes the form of half of a bat, including a flat side extending the length of the paddle. Accordingly, the paddle can mate with a game board in a glidable relation. In some embodiments the paddle may be pivotally affixed to the game board through its handle or transition, i.e. the portion connecting the handle of a bat to the striking surface (i.e. “barrel”) of the bat. For instance, and without limitation, a bat-shaped paddle may include an aperture extending through the transition perpendicular to the flat surface of the paddle. A similar aperture may be included in a game board at a predetermined location. Thus, a cylindrical pin may be used to join the paddle to the game board through the apertures such that the paddle is free to rotate about the pin. Accordingly, the bat-shaped paddle can be swung at a game piece by rotating the paddle about the pin.

With further respect to bat-shaped paddles, such a paddle may include an aperture in the barrel of the bat, i.e. in the striking surface of the bat. Such an aperture may be so dimensioned as to receive a game piece, and allow it to pass through the paddle provided it is received at a particular angle or within a predetermined narrow range of angles. Thus, according to some embodiments a swing which causes the paddle to receive a game piece within the predefined narrow range would result in a strike.

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIG. 1 is a perspective view drawing of a bat 100 showing structural features which are important for understanding certain aspects of the invention. For instance a handle 101 is shown in region A, a transition 102 is shown in region B, and a barrel 103 is shown in region C of the bat 100. A lengthwise bisection line 110 is shown dividing the bat 100 into two equal halves 120, 130.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view drawing of a bisection of a bat structure defining a paddle 200 according to one embodiment. The handle 101, transition 102, and barrel 103 are all visible; however, only one half of the bat form of FIG. 1 is present. Thus, the paddle 200 has one flat side 210 which is adapted to mate with a game board in a glidable relation. Furthermore, the paddle 200 includes a generally cylindrical aperture 202 for receiving a generally cylindrical pivot pin 204. Accordingly, the paddle 200 can be affixed to a surface such as a game board in a pivoting relation. The paddle 200 also includes a game piece aperture 203 which is dimensioned to receive a game piece and allow the game piece to pass therethrough provided it is received at a particular angle or within a predetermined narrow range of angles.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view drawing of a disc paddle 300 according to one embodiment. The disc paddle 300 includes a flat bottom surface 330 which is adapted to mate with a surface such as a game board in a glidable relation. The disc paddle 300 defines a thickness separating the bottom surface 330 from a top surface 310, such that the thickness defines a body of the paddle 300. A side wall 340 may be generally perpendicular to the top 310 and bottom 330 surfaces and may define an impact surface of the paddle 300. According to FIG. 3, a disc paddle may include a single centrally located magnet 350 disposed under a centrally located handle portion 320. In another embodiment which is set forth in FIG. 4, a disc paddle 400 includes a plurality of cylindrical magnets 350A-P evenly spaced about a periphery of the paddle. In either embodiment, the magnetic fields of the embedded magnets extend beyond the outer surfaces of the disc paddle so that they may interact with corresponding magnetic fields in one or more game pieces. Thus, a paddle 300 or 400 of this type can propel a game piece without making surface-to-surface contact with it.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view drawing of a game piece 500 according to one embodiment. The game piece 500 set forth in FIG. 5 includes a generally flat bottom surface 530 adapted to mate with, for instance, a game board in a glidable relation. The game piece also includes a top surface 510 separated from the bottom surface 530 by a thickness forming a body of the game piece, which is bounded by a generally circular side wall 540. Taken together the top surface 510, bottom surface 530 and side wall 540 may define a right circular cylinder. Furthermore, the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 includes a single centrally located cylindrical magnet 550. A similar structure is shown in FIG. 6; however, the game piece 600 set forth therein includes a plurality of cylindrical magnets embedded about a periphery of the game piece 600. In either embodiment, the magnetic fields of the respective magnets extend beyond the outer surfaces of the game piece thereby allowing interaction with a corresponding magnetic field of a paddle. Thus, a game piece according to FIG. 5 or FIG. 6 can be propelled by a paddle such as the one shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4 without making surface-to-surface contact.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view drawing of a pair of disc paddles 710A, 710B shown in relation to a game piece 720. The paddles 710A, 710B and game piece 720 are disposed on an arbitrary surface 730 which is sufficiently flat and smooth to allow the paddles 710A, 710B and game piece 720 to glide. According to one embodiment, a first and second player may control the respective paddles 710A, 710B and may propel the game piece 720 toward respective goal regions of a game board.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustration of a stylized baseball bat paddle 800. The paddle 810 is affixed to a game board 801 with a pin 820 which allows the paddle 800 to rotate about the pin 820. The barrel portion 810 of the paddle 800 includes an aperture 812 which is dimensioned to receive a game piece 720 and allow the game piece 720 to pass therethrough. In FIG. 9, an aperture 814 is shown in the transition or handle portion 830 of the paddle 800. According to this embodiment, the aperture 814 receives the pin 820 in a pivotal relation, and the pin 820 is affixed to the game board 801 with a nut 822. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that any of a wide variety of means for joining the pin to the game board may be acceptable. FIG. 9 also illustrates game board markings indicating a home plate 920 and a strike zone 922 as well as other markings which may facilitate play. In some embodiment a rear boundary wall 910 may include an embedded magnet which may attract a game piece thus acting as a catcher. Finally, FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustration of a game piece 720 being struck by a tip 816 of the paddle 800.

The embodiments have been described, hereinabove. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods and apparatuses may incorporate changes and modifications without departing from the general scope of this invention. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof. 

1. A magnetic glide game, comprising: a magnetically polarized game piece having at least one substantially flat surface; a game board having a substantially planar playing surface adapted to receive the at least one flat side of the game piece in a slideable relation; and at least one deflection means disposed in, or positionable within, a glide path of the game piece.
 2. The game of claim 1, wherein the game piece includes one or more of a cylindrical permanent magnet or an electromagnet.
 3. The game of claim 2, wherein the game piece includes one or more cylindrical permanent magnets embedded in one or more of a centrally located region within the game piece, or about at least a portion of a peripheral region of the game piece.
 4. The game of claim 1, wherein at least one deflection means is magnetically polarized and is embedded in one or more of the playing surface of the game board, or a boundary wall of the game board.
 5. The game of claim 1, wherein at least one deflection means is magnetically polarized and is disposed under the playing surface of the game board, or immovably affixed to the playing surface of the game board.
 6. The game of claim 1, wherein the at least one deflection means comprises a magnetically polarized paddle.
 7. The game of claim 6, wherein the paddle comprises a striking portion substantially defining a right circular cylinder, and a handle portion adapted to be grasped by a human hand.
 8. The game of claim 6, wherein the paddle is selected from one or more of a stylized miniature hockey stick, or a stylized miniature baseball bat.
 9. The game of claim 1, wherein the at least one deflection means comprises a paddle selected from one or more of a stylized miniature hockey stick, or a stylized miniature baseball bat.
 10. The game of claim 9, wherein the stylized miniature baseball bat comprises a lengthwise bisection of a baseball bat form having a substantially planar surface adapted to slide over the game board.
 11. The game of claim 10, wherein the stylized miniature baseball bat is affixed to the game board through a pin about which the bat may pivot, and wherein the pin is disposed in the vicinity of a transition portion of the bat.
 12. The game of claim 11, wherein the stylized miniature baseball bat further comprises an aperture adapted to receive a game piece and allow it to pass through when received at a particular angle or within a narrow range of angles.
 13. The game of claim 12, wherein the aperture is disposed in a central barrel region of the stylized miniature baseball bat.
 14. A magnetic glide game, comprising: a magnetically polarized game piece having at least one substantially flat surface, wherein the game piece includes one or more of a cylindrical permanent magnet or an electromagnet; a game board having a substantially planar playing surface adapted to receive the at least one flat side of the game piece in a slideable relation; and at least one deflection means disposed in, or positionable within, a glide path of the game piece.
 15. The game of claim 14, wherein at least one deflection means is magnetically polarized and is embedded in one or more of the playing surface of the game board, or a boundary wall of the game board.
 16. The game of claim 14, wherein at least one deflection means is magnetically polarized and is disposed under the playing surface of the game board, or immovably affixed to the playing surface of the game board.
 17. The game of claim 14, wherein the at least one deflection means comprises a magnetically polarized paddle.
 18. The game of claim 14, wherein the at least one deflection means comprises a paddle selected from one or more of a stylized miniature hockey stick, or a stylized miniature baseball bat.
 19. The game of claim 18, wherein the stylized miniature baseball bat is affixed to the game board through a pin about which the bat may pivot, and wherein the pin is disposed in the vicinity of a transition portion of the bat, wherein the stylized miniature baseball bat further comprises an aperture adapted to receive a game piece and allow it to pass through when received at a particular angle or within a narrow range of angles, and wherein the aperture is disposed in a central barrel region of the stylized miniature baseball bat.
 20. A magnetic glide game, comprising: a magnetically polarized game piece having at least one substantially flat surface, wherein the game piece includes one or more of a cylindrical permanent magnet or an electromagnet; a game board having a substantially planar playing surface adapted to receive the at least one flat side of the game piece in a slideable relation; and at least one deflection means positionable within, a glide path of the game piece, wherein the at least one deflection means comprises a paddle defining a stylized miniature baseball bat affixed to the game board through a pin about which the bat may pivot, the pin being disposed in the vicinity of a transition portion of the bat, the stylized miniature baseball bat further comprises an aperture adapted to receive a game piece and allow it to pass through when received at a particular angle or within a narrow range of angles, and wherein the aperture is disposed in a central barrel region of the stylized miniature baseball bat. 